If you’re trying to set up a consultation or an appointment with a mover during the COVID-19 pandemic, make sure to use digital tools to avoid exposure. When searching for movers online, ask if they’d be willing to do a video chat to assess the size of your move. This will be in place of the typical “walk-through” they perform, and they may be able to give you a price quote. You can also discuss safe strategies for completing the job during your call or video chat.

If you decide to hire a mover, consider making adjustments to accommodate current guidelines. This may involve staying outside while the mover works inside your home or letting the mover handle only parts of the move.

It’s important to follow social distancing guidelines while performing any service work. For example, do not make physical contact with the movers, maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you at all times, and use digital payments instead of cash or a check.

Your local city or state’s government website is a great resource if you’re trying to figure out whether a mover is considered an essential service provider during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For a source of national guidelines, visit the CISA website’s Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19. On this page, you’ll find 16 categories of critical infrastructure sectors. But note that some -- not all --  jurisdictions follow CISA’s definitions of critical infrastructure. 

Most local moving companies are likely to accept some form of digital payment. Particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic, more companies are likely to conduct transactions through platforms like PayPal, Zelle, Square Cash, Venmo, Google Pay and more. 

To ensure the mover accepts a platform you can use, you can peruse the mover’s online profile and see what is listed there. You can also ask the mover about payment policies during a consultation call.

A mover will likely need to enter your home -- unless you’ve placed all of your belongings outside beforehand. To stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, you might to consider keeping all (or most) of the work outside and/or having at-risk individuals leave the house while the movers work. 

You can minimize exposure by doing a preliminary walk-through by video call instead of in person. Discuss your options with the top movers near you before hiring one.

In Atlanta, the top movers range from $75 to over $100 per hour. This is an estimated cost that can fluctuate throughout the year and vary depending on several factors. Factors that can impact the cost of your move include whether you need flat-rate or hourly movers, specific moving services (i.e. packing services or moving boxes) or additional movers to load your belongings. 

First, you’ll want to compare the best moving companies Atlanta has to offer. When comparing, check the estimated costs. When you see movers who might fit your budget, read their profiles and reviews. Keep an eye out for movers who respond quickly and arrive on time. If you’re moving within Georgia, make sure the moving company you choose has a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. You can check by reaching out to the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

Movers generally need to be present to do their job. But if you come across a mover’s profile that states they’re offering remote services, you can contact them to see what those services include. 

If you’re looking for moving boxes, there are plenty of stores in Atlanta that sell them. Often, hardware stores and companies that rent moving trucks typically sell moving boxes of various shapes and sizes. You can also purchase some from stores that specialize in moving boxes, such as Moving Boxes Atlanta, at an affordable price -- many small and medium boxes are priced in the $1 range. Some stores, such as Georgia Green Box offer environmentally friendly options.

If you need free moving boxes to stay within your budget, there are a variety of low-cost options. Liquor stores, grocery stores, pet stores and bookstores could be good places to start. 

You can also ask moving companies in Atlanta whether they can provide boxes and packing materials for your move. 

There are several moving truck rental companies in the Atlanta area where you can find an assortment of trucks available to rent, including pickup trucks and box trucks. However, many moving companies provide their own trucks when helping you move. Research and compare Atlanta movers to find a company that will take care of everything for you at a price you’re comfortable with.